Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is looking to deepen its trade and transportation links across North America as Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development Shane Getson prepares to travel to the United States and Mexico from September 7 to 10.
Getson, who also represents Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, will attend the 2026 Ports-to-Plains Alliance Annual Conference, being held in Del Rio, Texas, and Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.
The event will bring together policymakers, transportation officials, business representatives and economic development organizations from across the continent. Getson is expected to use the gathering to promote Alberta’s economic priorities and discuss ways to improve connections between the province and key domestic and international markets.
According to the Alberta government, the conference will also offer an opportunity to highlight efforts underway in the province to reduce barriers to internal trade, improve supply-chain reliability and develop economic corridors capable of moving goods more efficiently.
“Alberta’s economic future depends on strong, safe, and reliable supply chains that help us grow our strategic trading relationships,” Getson said. He added that the Ports-to-Plains conference provides a platform to showcase Alberta’s work on economic corridors and strengthen relationships with partners in the United States and Mexico.
The annual conference is expected to attract more than 200 policymakers, industry leaders and businesses representing nine U.S. states: Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming.
This year’s theme, “Building the Future Interstate: Bridging from Designation to Delivery,” will focus on the practical development of major transportation links. Discussions will include cross-border and interjurisdictional transportation networks, freight movement and strategies for attracting investment.
Alberta’s participation comes as the province continues to emphasize stronger transportation infrastructure and more efficient trade routes as part of its broader economic strategy.
The government says building stronger connections across North America could help expand market access for Alberta businesses while reinforcing the province’s role in continental supply chains.
